How to Get Your Body Ready for Lipo or a Tummy Tuck

Even if you’re in the beginning stages of planning your cosmetic surgery, it’s never too early to start getting your body ready for liposuction or a tummy tuck to help you see the best results. If you need a little help deciding how to get ready for lipo, read through these five key body contouring prep tips.

1. Hit the Gym

While it’s true that lipo can help you get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in areas like your hips, waist and thighs, it isn’t a stand-in for good old-fashioned exercise. The same goes for a tummy tuck. These procedures are great for body contouring, but you’ll still need to reach your target weight first.

One of the main reasons for this is the fact that our bodies have two different types of fat: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous is the “pinchable” fat located just beneath your skin and is also the type of fat that liposuction can help with.

Visceral fat, on the other hand, surrounds your organs and therefore cannot be improved through liposuction or other body contouring procedures. There’s only one way to get rid of visceral fat, and that’s diet and exercise.

2. Stock up on Fruits and Veggies

Speaking of diet, make sure you’re loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains before your tummy tuck or lipo. Not only is eating a healthy diet a great way to reach your fitness goals, but it can also help your body to bounce back after cosmetic surgery more quickly and efficiently.

You might also want to think about making a big grocery trip a few days before your procedure and freezing some pre-portioned healthy meals to help make your tummy tuck recovery simpler.

3. Keep a Stable Weight

In case you’re wondering if crash dieting right before your tummy tuck or liposuction is a good idea, it’s not. Significant weight fluctuations before and after body contouring can throw off your results and might even require a revision surgery shortly down the road to get your initial results back. Not to mention the fact that crash diets are unhealthy and hard on your body.

Try to maintain a stable, healthy weight for 3 to 6 months before getting lipo or a tummy tuck.

4. Quit Smoking

Since smoking has been shown to hinder wound healing and increase the likelihood of surgical and post-surgical complications, you’ll need to stop smoking for several weeks before and after cosmetic surgery. On the upside, this could be the push you’ve been looking for to kick the habit for good.

Additionally, plan to avoid drinking alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before your procedure and during the first few weeks of recovery.

5. Follow Your Cosmetic Surgeon’s Instructions

At your body contouring consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will most likely send you home with a detailed list of “dos and don’ts” to help you prepare for liposuction or abdominoplasty.

These instructions might include things like avoiding certain medications and herbal supplements that can contribute to bruising, taking enough time off work and arranging for someone else to drive you to and from your appointment and help you around the house for the first few days. Try to stick to these guidelines as closely as possible to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!

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How to Get Your Body Ready for Lipo or a Tummy Tuck

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Wondering how to get ready for lipo? Cosmetic surgeon Dr. James Koehler of Fairhope, Alabama shares a few important liposuction preparation tips.